The Republic: A Revolution from Subjects to Equal Citizens

As Republic Day of Turkey on October 29 approaches, it becomes essential to once again reflect on the meaning, value, and rights that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades bequeathed through the establishment of the Republic. Today, some people may struggle to understand or even underestimate the freedoms and privileges that the Republic has provided. Yet, the Republic’s rights and freedoms mark a revolutionary shift, transforming people from being “subjects” of an empire into citizens who participate equally in determining the nation's future.

The Concept of "Tebaa" in the Ottoman Empire: A Protected but Submissive Society

In the Ottoman Empire, the structure and governance were centered around the concept of "tebaa" (subjects). The word "tebaa" is derived from Arabic, meaning “those who follow” or “those who are bound.” Individuals in this system lacked modern citizenship rights; they were seen as communities under the Sultan and state’s protection rather than as individual citizens with independent rights. Consequently, people’s rights depended upon loyalty and obedience to the state; their fates were defined not individually but collectively.

The Ottoman "tebaa" was generally divided into Muslims and non-Muslims. Muslims were governed by Islamic law, while non-Muslims maintained religious freedom through their leaders and paid a tax (cizye) to be exempt from military service. This system preserved dependence on the state, resulting in individuals’ rights and freedoms being shaped according to the state’s authority.

The Birth of the Turkish Citizenship with the Declaration of the Republic

With the proclamation of the Republic, people ceased to be “subjects” under the Sultan’s rule and were redefined as "equal citizens" with rights. This was not merely a change in administration but a profound transformation that redefined individuals’ status in society. One of Atatürk’s greatest contributions was the principle of equality before the law. Under this system, all people became equal in the eyes of the law; social class, religion, gender, or wealth would no longer influence one’s treatment under the law.

In this regard, an anecdote about Atatürk demonstrates what the Republic aimed to achieve and how he fully embraced the idea of “equality before the law”:

“Once, while traveling from Mudanya to Bursa, an elderly woman approached Atatürk and explained that her son had been rejected for a position at the state railways despite his recommendation. Atatürk replied loudly, ‘Did they refuse him despite my recommendation? Good! They did very well. This is precisely how the Republic should be understood,’ and added, ‘This is the outcome we expect from the Republic.’”

This incident highlights how much Atatürk valued a system where individuals were judged based on merit, regardless of status or connections, in public affairs. The Republic’s purpose was to establish a society where people would be evaluated not by their status or personal relationships but by their abilities and qualifications.

The Importance of Equal Citizenship in the Republic

With the Republic, the people gained real power to shape the nation’s future. Fundamental rights, such as the right to vote, freedom of expression, women’s participation in public life, and equal education, became accessible to all. These rights enabled individuals, previously considered subjects within the Ottoman Empire, to become “equal citizens.” Now, each person was no longer the “servant” of the state but a free citizen within the legal framework.

The Republic brought equal rights and responsibilities to every member of society, transforming everyone into an active participant in the governance of the country. However, today, the fact that some undervalue or criticize these valuable rights and freedoms reflects an inability to appreciate their significance. Such criticisms often stem from a lack of awareness of how deeply the Republic's rights impact our daily lives. For individuals who were “subjects” during the Ottoman Empire, the freedom to act and live as independent citizens today is one of the Republic’s greatest achievements.

The Republic: A Constantly Evolving Value

Embracing the Republic’s values involves more than celebration; it requires understanding, cherishing, and passing these values forward by continuously building upon them. We could think of the Republic as a kind of "software," with its initial code written by Atatürk and his comrades. This foundational system, however, requires each generation’s input to keep it updated in line with social progress and the evolving needs of the people. As Atatürk envisioned, the Republic is not a static or stagnant entity but a progressive and innovative system. With each new generation, the Republic should not repeat itself but instead evolve to meet contemporary needs, strengthening people’s rights and contributing positively to society.

Updating the Republic with each new generation is not only a necessity but also a form of respect for its foundations. This valuable “software” should not be eroded over time; instead, it must be preserved, strengthened, and renewed through everyone’s contributions. In this way, the Republic can evolve into a system that serves first its own citizens and, over time, becomes a model that benefits all humanity. Recognizing and protecting the value of this software that lies in our hands today will ensure the Republic remains strong and meaningful for future generations to develop.